Reserves drop first match 1-0 to Dallas

Frisco, Texas (April 9, 2011) - The Colorado Rapids reserves dropped the first match of the new MLS Reserve League 1-0 to FC Dallas on Saturday morning on the FCD training field at Pizza Hut Park. Dallas forward Maykel Galindo scored less than a minute into the second half and the home side held on for their second Reserve League win of the campaign.

FC Dallas had multiple chances early in the match before Galindo got the home side on the board. With FC Dallas holding possession in its offensive third of the field near the 20th minute, Galindo combined with Andrew Wiedeman to earn a chance at the near post, but Rapids defender Danny Earls knocked down the cross attempt and ushered it away from danger.

A few moments later, Wiedeman again broke through near the top right corner of the box, but was also denied as keeper Stew Ceus made a diving save to his left at the near post. Minutes later, Ceus punched Ricardo Villar’s shot out for one of several corner kick chances FC Dallas had in the first half.

Colorado then built a pair of attacks that began with strong play up front from Quincy Amarikwa. The speedy forward applied high pressure and forced a pair of turnovers that resulted in Colorado’s best chance of the first half. Winning his second challenge, Amarikwa picked out Steven Emory at the back post. Emory was in alone against FC Dallas goalkeeper Chris Seitz, but was forced to take a shot from a tough angle. Intended for the lower corner of the far post, Emory’s shot was smothered by a diving save from Seitz.

Once more before the half, Amarikwa caused FC Dallas trouble by getting free down the right flank. With plenty of time, he struck a long cross to the back post for Emory, but the service was cut off by Jackson, who recovered in time to nod the pass out for a throw in on the far touch line.

Following the second half kick off, Maykel Galindo found the ball at his feet while streaking through the Colorado back line. In a foot race with a defender on his left side, Galindo volleyed a shot with his right foot that beat Colorado goalkeeper Steward Ceus high over his left shoulder for a 1-0 lead.

Colorado cleared two Dallas chances off the goal line in the final 30 minutes before creating their own good chances. On one, Emory rose above a pack of defenders to win a cross at the back post but Dallas keeper Josh Lambo made the save of the day when he laid out to deny Emory of a sure goal. Colorado’s best chance came in the 84th minute when Earls came forward to send a cross into the area for Andre Akpan. Near the top of the six-yard box, Akpan battled with FC Dallas center back Bobby Warshaw. Fortunately for FC Dallas, the challenge from Warshaw was enough to cause Akpan to send his header attempt over the crossbar, preserving the 1-0 victory.

The Rapids reserves' next match is Thursday, April 14 at Real Salt Lake.